Remote transaction system

ABSTRACT

A remote transaction system is disclosed which may be used to conduct business transactions wherein visual contact between a buyer and a seller is desired or required. A transaction booth is located remotely from an operations center, the booth and the center being connected by audio and video communication lines. The booth includes audio and video equipment for transmitting and receiving audio and video signals between the booth and the center. Decoders are provided in the booth to receive telephone touch tones or pulses from the operations center and to control the audio and video equipment and other equipment in the booth. Alternatively, a programmable device, such as a controller or microcomputer, generates control signals for controlling the equipment. A dispenser unit is controllable from the operations center utilizing a decoder to selectively dispense items or objects to a customer. A payment module facilitates payment for items or services by cash, credit card, or other appropriate means. The various equipment included in the booth is assembled into modules which can be simply and easily installed in the booth and interconnected using a wiring harness, facilitating the assembly and maintenance of the system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for conductingbusiness transactions between a seller and a buyer where the seller andbuyer are at locations remote from one another. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a system wherein the seller visuallyobserves the buyer during the course of the transaction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past several years, a trend has developed in which more andmore business transactions are conducted not at central business centersbut rather at remotely located machines or stations. An example of thistrend has been the increasing popularity of automated teller machines(ATMs) which allow a person to conduct his banking activities at timesand places more convenient for him than the hours and locations of thebanking centers.

This trend toward remote business transactions has been spurred by theuse of computers and computer-related equipment. This equipment hasprovided the capability of operating remote machines or stations beyondnormal business hours. To date, however, the vast majority of remotetransactions involve the user of the services and a computer controllingthe system, and do not involve "face-to-face" transactions.

There has been an increasing need for businesses to be able to expandinto new and remote markets. Because of the nature of many businesses,however, such expansion has been accompanied by high overhead expense.This is because many business transactions require a face-to-facecommunication between a buyer and a seller. For example, a rental carbusiness must be able to observe a potential user in order to assess theapparent capability of the user to operate the automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A remote transaction system according to the present invention generallyincludes a transaction booth which is located at a point remote from acentral operations center. Communication lines extend between theoperations center and the booth and interconnect audio and videocommunications equipment located at both the operations center and thebooth. A decoder is located in the booth and is adapted to receivesignals transmitted from the operations center and to control the audioand video equipment located in the booth in response to the signals. Aprogrammable device such as a microcomputer may be used in place of thedecoder and may be arranged to receive signals from the operationscenter and, in turn, control the equipment in the booth or may beprogrammed to control the equipment according to predeterminedinstructions. A payment means is provided wherein the user of the boothcan pay for services or products using cash or a credit card. Adispenser is connected to the decoder or programmable device and, uponinstruction from the operations center, dispenses items to the user. Thebooth provides a setting in which the user can sit or stand during thecourse of the transaction and be positioned with respect to the videoequipment so as to have his image transmitted to the operations centerfor viewing by an operator. Additionally, the booth may have a videodisplay unit for displaying images to the user at the discretion of theoperator at the operations center.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a central operations center andremote transaction booths connected thereto

FIG. 2 shows a booth according to the present invention with its variousmajor components.

FIG. 3 illustrates a verification module as utilized in the remotebooth.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a diagrammatic representation of the equipment usedin the booth and the interconnections between the equipment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of the diode matrix used in conjunction with videoequipment in the booth.

FIG. 6 shows a storage bin used in the dispenser module of a booth ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a remote business transaction system generallycomprises an operations center 10 and a plurality of remote transactionbooths 11 operatively connected to the operations center 10 by means ofaudio communication lines 12 and video communication lines 13. Anoperator at the operations center 10 can communicate with any or all ofthe remote booths 11 and can visually observe people conducting businesstransactions in the various booths 11. Preferably, both audio and videocommunication lines, 12 and 13 respectively, will interconnect each ofthe various remote booths 11 with the operations center 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a remote transaction booth 11 according to thepresent invention generally comprises a housing 14 having a seating area15 in which a person can enter to conduct a transaction. For purposes ofthis description, it will be assumed the person desires to rent or leasean automobile.

Located opposite the seating area 13 and facing the seating area 15 is acommunication module 16. The communication module 16 contains variousequipment, including a telephone-type device, a video phone, a recorderand a decoder (not shown in FIG. 2). A microcomputer or otherprogrammable device may be included in the communication module 16. Apayment submodule (not shown) may also be included in the communicationmodule 16.

Located immediately below the communication module 16 is a dispensermodule 22. The dispenser module 22 contains a plurality of storage binsin which individual items or objects to be dispensed to a user may bestored. A second decoder or programmable device is located in thedispenser module 22 and is used for selectively controlling theindividual dispensing bins. A security lock mechanism preventsinadvertent dispensing of items from the bins.

Located adjacent the seating area 15 is a verification module or camerabox 26. As shown in FIG. 3, the verification module 26 includes a camera27 for focusing on a holder plate 28. The holder plate 28 is designed toreceive an identification card or other identification means forphotographing by the camera 27. As used in one embodiment, the plate 28is of a substantially transparent material to facilitate the camera 27capturing an image of a card or document placed on the holder.

In the various modules, the equipment is preferably wired to terminalblocks or plugs for connection to a wiring harness (not shown). Thewiring harness interconnects the three modules with one another and withthe external audio and video communication lines 12 and 13. This modulararrangement simplifies the process of constructing and maintaining theremote transaction booth.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a diagrammatic representation of the equipmentincluded in the remote transaction booth and the connections betweenthat equipment. A momentary push-button switch 31 actuates a latchingcontrol relay 32 having contacts 33 which are used to energize allequipment in the booth with 120 volts AC power. Once the control relay32 is actuated, it will latch on through contact 33.

The telephone includes a handset 17 and speaker phone 34 and isconnected to an external communication line 12 to provide audiocommunication between the remote booth 11 and the operations center 10.The external communication line 12 may be a conventional telephone line12. A contact 35 in the control relay 32 activates the speaker phone's"CALL" button to initiate the off-hook condition. This technique is wellknown in the art and will not be discussed further.

Equipment located at the telephone company's central office acknowledgesthe off-hook condition with return of a dial tone. Upon receipt of thedial tone, an automatic dialer 36 commences dialing of a preprogrammedphone number to the operations center. Satisfactory results for anauto-dialer 36 used in one embodiment of the invention were achievedwith a model HOT SHOT INSTANT ACCESS DIALER made by Zoom Telephonic,Inc., and its operation with respect to detection of a dial tone andautomatic commencement of dialing of a preprogrammed number are standardfor that model.

The speaker phone 34 may be utilized for audio communication between auser in the booth and an operator at the remote operations center.Alternatively, an ordinary telephone handset 17 may be added so thataudio signals transmitted to the remote center will not be undulyburdened by noise in the immediate vicinity of the booth. In oneembodiment, the handset 17 has shown distinct advantages to the use ofthe speaker phone 34 alone.

In a preferred embodiment, a timer circuit 46 is included in the controlrelay latch-in circuit 32. A timer device 46 may be set for 60-secondtime out and the timer 46 will be reset each time a tone or pulse isdetected on the audio communication line 12. If no tone or pulse signalis detected on the audio line 12 for a continuous 60-second period, thecontrol relay 32 will be caused to drop out, removing 120 VAC power fromall equipment in the booth 11 and, thus, terminating the connection ofthe booth 11 with the operations center 10. The use of such a timingdevice 46 is advantageous in the case where the initiating phone callfrom the booth 11 to the operations center 10 results in a "busy" signalor no answer at the operations center 10, If the telephone number isbusy or there is no answer, the booth 11 will automatically be shut downafter 60 seconds and the system will be reset to initiate anothertransaction.

The video equipment includes a video phone 18 which is connected withexternal communication lines 13. The video equipment transmits a videoimage of a person in the booth 11 to the operator at the operationscenter 10 and, conversely, transmits a video image from the operationscenter 10 to the booth 11. A video phone 18 known as the PHOTOPHONE,made by Image Data Corporation of San Antonio, Texas, has in practiceproven to be suitable for use as a video phone 18 in the presentinvention. The PHOTOPHONE uses ordinary telephone lines to transmit andreceive "slow scan", or "still", pictures. Technical specifications forthe PHOTOPHONE are included in a brochure dated June, 1986 anddistributed by Image Data Corporation, 7986 Mainland Drive, San Antonio,Texas 78250 (Box 380349, San Antonio, Texas 78280-9997), the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

A typical conventional video phone 18 is normally controlled by a keypad(shown in FIG. 5) accessible by a person in the booth 11. In the presentembodiment, a diode matrix 37 has been added to the video phone 18 andis electrically parallel to the keypad. This diode matrix 37, as shownin FIG. 5, provides for control of the video phone 18 when used inconjunction with the decoder 20 which will be more fully describedbelow. In normal operation of the system in accordance with theinvention, the touch pad on the video phone 18 is not used.

Two cameras, 38 and 27, and a video switcher 39 are utilized inconjunction with the video phone 18 to provide alternative video imagesto the video phone 18 for transmission to the operations center 10. RCAtype TC2012 cameras have been used in practice with satisfactoryresults. A first camera 38 is positioned in the communication module 16or otherwise conveniently in the booth 11 to capture the image of aperson sitting or standing in the booth 11. A second camera 27 ispositioned in the verification module 26, as was shown in FIG. 3 anddiscussed above, to capture the image of identifying documentation.

The video switcher 39 is controlled remotely from the operations center10 directly through the audio line 12 to selectively direct output fromthe first or second camera, 38 or 27, to the video phone 18 fortransmission to the operations center 10, as will be discussed below.The video switcher 39 has its output connected to the video phone 18 andhas separate inputs connected to the first camera 38 in thecommunication module 16 and the second camera or video device 27 in theverification module.

A Teletronix model VS100 camera switcher has been used in one embodimentof the present invention, although similar devices may be utilized. Themodel VS100 accepts control input from audio line 12 in the form ofindustry standard DTMF (Touch-Tone) signals, providing connectionbetween one of several inputs and the output terminals. The TeletronixModel VS100 video switcher is described in a brochure distributed byTeletronix Systems Incorporated, 3255 Kerner Blvd., Suite 6, San Rafael,California 94901, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

A recorder 19 is adapted to receive input from the audio line 12 and thevideo switcher 39. An RCA Time Lapse Video Recorder, having a date/timemask feature, may be used to make a recording of the audio and videoportions of a transaction occurring within the booth 11 by recording theaudio and video signals. The recorder 19 is also provided with anelectronic control feature which allows the recorder 19 to be controlledfrom a remote location as will be more fully discussed below. Thiselectronic control feature is standard on the RCA Time Lapse VideoRecorder.

A first or video sequencing decoder 20 has an input connected to theaudio communication line 12 and is designed to receive control signalsin the form of telephone touch tones or pulses, or combinations of tonesor pulses, and to generate control signals or instructions in responsethereto. Alternatively, the decoder 20 may be adapted to receivetelephone touch tones or pulses and, in response thereto, completeelectrical circuits by closing contacts. The decoder 20 used in oneembodiment of the present invention is a Model UC100, manufactured byTeletronix or San Rafael, California, and has several output circuitswhich may be selectively activated in response to appropriate inputsignals. Individual relaytype devices in the decoder respond to toneinputs to close selected electrical contacts. The Teletronix Model VC100is described in a brochure distributed by Teletronix SystemsIncorporated, 3255 Kerner Blvd., Suite 6, San Rafael, California 94901,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIG. 5, certain of the output circuits of the videosequencing decoder 20 are electrically connected to the diode matrix 37controlling the video phone 18. The actuation of selected relays in thedecoder 20 results in closure of the corresponding contacts whichsimulates the operation of keys on the video phone keypad (by creatingTouch-Tone signals). The decoder and diode matrix provide a means forcontrolling the video phone 18 from the operations center 10 bytransmitting appropriate touch tones or pulses along the audiocommunication line 12. Only keys "2" and "5" are shown. Other keysnecessary for the remote operation of the video phone may be similarlyconnected. Video phone functions such as receiving images, transmittingimages and disconnecting may be controlled from the operations center 10by means of the audio communication line 12, the first decoder 20 andthe diode matrix 37.

Other output circuits of the video sequencing decoder 20 are utilizedfor connection to the electronic control mechanism of the securityrecorder 19. These ties allow for control of the recorder 19 by anoperator at the operations center 10. As in the case of controlling thevideo phone 18, the decoder 20 is designed to receive standard telephonetouch tones or pulses and complete individual electrical controlcircuits for controlling the recorder 19 in response to those tones orpulses. Recorder functions which may be controlled through the videosequencing decoder 20 include, for example, record, stop, rewind, andothers.

Although the described embodiment utilizes the decoder 20 to receiveTouch-Tone signals and control the booth equipment, a programmabledevice, such as a controller or microcomputer, could be used with equalsuccess. A programmable device may be adapted to receive instructionsvia the audio line 12 and generate control signals for controlling theaudio and video equipment. Appropriate interface equipment (e.g., modem)may be required. Alternatively, the device may be programmed to respondto input according to predetermined instructions to control theequipment.

A payment submodule 21 is housed in the transaction booth 11 andincludes a credit card receiver 40 for receiving and reading the datafrom a credit card. The payment submodule 21 may be included in thecommunication module 16 or may be a separate module. As is commonlyknown, data is encoded on a magnetic strip of a credit card, themagnetic strip being readable by the credit card receiver 40. AnATM-type card reader may be utilized and may include a keypad for theuse of bank cards requiring the input of a personal identificationnumber to activate the card. One credit card reader which may beutilized with the present invention is manufactured by OMRON, and isdistributed by Mitsubishi. Other ATM-type transaction terminals may alsobe utilized as payment submodules 21.

Credit information extracted from the credit card is transferred ortransmitted to the operations center 10 via the audio line 12 forevaluation by the operator. It may then be transmitted to a credit cardprocessing center for approval, according to well-known principles. Theinformation may also be utilized for payment of goods or servicesinvolved in the business transaction.

In an alternative embodiment, means may be provided for accepting cashfor payment of goods or services. Apparatus for such an arrangement iswell known to those skilled in the art and will not be described atlength. When used with the present invention, a cash receiver willgenerate a signal which is transmitted to the operator at the operationscenter 10 via the audio communication line 12 indicating receipt ofpayment. The operator will then activate the dispenser 22 to dispensethe selected item.

A dispenser module 22 is located in the booth 11 and houses themechanism for dispensing items or objects to a person in the booth 11 inresponse to control signals received from the operations center 10. Thedispenser 22 includes a plurality of bins 23, illustrated in FIG. 6, forstoring the items to be selectively dispensed to a user of the booth 11,In one embodiment of the present invention, the items to be dispensedare automobile keys where the booth 11 is used in conjunction with carrental services. A second decoder or dispenser decoder 24, similar tothe video sequencing decoder 20, has its input connected to the audiocommunication line 12 extending between the operations center 10 and theremote booth 11. In response to standard telephone touch tone or pulses,the dispenser decoder 24 generates control signals or instructions forindividually controlling the bins 23 to selectively dispense theautomobile keys or other items. Alternately, the decoder 24 may completeindividual dispenser control circuits in response to the touch tones.

As in the case of the decoder 20, the decoder 24 may be replaced by aprogrammable device for control of the dispenser module 22. Theprogrammable device may be adapted to receive Touch-Tone signals and togenerate control signals in response thereto or may be adapted togenerate control signals according to a predetermined set ofinstructions such as a program.

While various dispenser mechanisms may be utilized, FIG. 6 illustrates atypical storage bin 23 as utilized in one embodiment of the presentinvention. A solenoid 41 is actuated by a signal received from thedispenser decoder 24 and operates a hinged panel 42 to open the bin 23(as shown in its dotted position in FIG. 6) and allow the item containedtherein to drop to a tray which is accessible by a person in the booth11. The outputs to the individual dispenser solenoids 41 from thedispenser decoder 24 are latched outputs and a dispenser solenoid 41will remain actuated and the associated bin 23 will remain open untilthe remote transaction booth 11 is shut down and 120 volt AC power isremoved from the equipment. At that time, the spring-loaded solenoids 41will return to a position in which the dispenser bins 23 are closed.

To prevent inadvertent dispensing of items, an electronic lock 25 isconnected between the external audio communication line 12 and the inputof the second or dispenser decoder 24, as shown in FIG. 4B. Thiselectronic lock 25 prevents a telephone signal from reaching the inputof the dispenser decoder 24 until the lock 25 has been opened. ATeletronix EC100, which has been successfully utilized in oneembodiment, or similar device accepts an appropriate tone or pulsetransmitted via the audio line 12 by an operator at the operationscenter 10 to actuate to an "open" position and allow a second telephonesignal to reach the input of the dispenser decoder 24. The TeletronixModel EC100 is described in a brochure distributed by Teletronix SystemsIncorporated, 3255 Kerner Blvd., Suite 6, San Rafael, California 94901,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

An operator at the operations center 10, by transmitting an appropriatetone or pulse to the electronic lock 25, can cause the lock 25 to beactuated and the connection between the audio communication line 12 andthe dispenser decoder 24 to be made. The electronic lock 25 has atime-out feature which allows the lock 25 to remain open for a selectedlimited time. For example, the lock 25 may be designed to time-out infive seconds and, after being actuated by the operator at the operationscenter 10, the operator has five seconds to transmit an appropriate toneor pulse combination to the dispenser decoder 24 to effect an actuationof a dispenser solenoid 41 and associated bin 23. Should an appropriatesignal not be transmitted during that five-second interval, theelectronic lock 25 will once again open the circuit between the audiocommunication line 12 and dispenser decoder 24. Should that happen, theoperator at the operations center 10 must again send the appropriatesignal to the lock 25 to once again gain access to the dispenser decoder24.

As shown in FIG. 3 and as discussed above, a verification module 26 islocated in the remote transaction booth 11 and is used for receiving anidentification card or other identification means and for providing avideo image of the card or other means to an operator at the operationscenter 10. The verification module 26 may be conveniently located besidethe seating area 15 in the booth 11, much as an armrest would bepositioned. Alternatively, the verification module 26 may be positionedanywhere in the booth 11 readily accessible by a user. The module 26includes a holder 28 for receiving and securing an identification cardor other identifying means in place. A camera or similar video device27, as discussed above, is located in the module 26 and is oriented tofocus on a card or other document placed in the holder 28. The camera 27output is selectively transmitted to the video phone 18 by means of thevideo switcher 39.

The video switcher 39 alternatively provides connection of the first andsecond cameras, 38 and 27, to the video phone 18 for transmission to theoperations center 10 via the external video communication line 13. Thevideo signal transmitted from the remote transaction booth 11 to theoperations center 10 via the video communication line 13 willalternatively be that from the communication module camera 38 and theverification module camera 27. Accordingly, the video image transmittedalong the external video communication line 13 is that image which isrecorded by the security recorder 19. As will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art, multiple external video communication lines, eachhaving their own modulating and interfacing equipment, may be employedand the video switcher 39 may be eliminated. In such an arrangement, theoperator at the operations center 10 will have multiple images availableand recording of selected video images and audio may be accomplished atthe operations center 10.

As mentioned above, the video phone 18 may transmit and receive imagesvia ordinary telephone lines. Alternatively, coaxial lines, fiberopticlines, microwave transmission, or other high-speed data transmissionpaths may be used and "fast scan", or moving, pictures may betransmitted and received by the video phone 18. Presently, ordinarytelephone lines are used to transmit and receive still images.

In the various modules, all equipment requiring input from or output toequipment or communication lines external to that module is wired toelectrical connection plugs. A wiring harness 29, such as commonly usedin electrical applications, having electrical connection plugs which arecomplementary to the connection plugs on the various modules, is used tointerconnect the communication module 16, the verification module 26,the dispenser module 22, the payment submodule 21 (if separate), and theexternal audio 12 and video 13 communication lines. The use of thewiring harness 29 facilitates the assembly, replacement and maintenanceof the remote transaction booth 11. Testing of the individual modulesand equipment contained therein is provided by the unplugging of thewiring harness 29 from that particular module and the plugging-in ofappropriate test equipment.

Operation of the remote transaction booth.

In accordance with the present invention, the operations center 10 willbe interconnected to the remote transaction booth 11 location uponcustomer request. This is accomplished by the customer's pressing themomentary push-button switch 31. Actuation of the switch 31 applies ACvoltage to the control relay 32. This relay 32 energizes the equipmentlocated in the booth 11 with 120 volt AC power and latches itself in theactuated position. The control relay 32 also activates the speaker phone34 call button to initiate an off-hook condition.

Telephone company central office equipment acknowledges the off-hookcondition with the return of a dial tone, as is standard. Upon receiptof the dial tone, the automatic dialer 36 commences dialing thepreprogrammed number to the operations center 10. The public switchedtelephone network routes the call to the location dialed as with anyordinary phone call. Upon answering at the operations center 10, thecontrol operator will ascertain the nature of the customer's requirementverbally with the customer's dialogue taking place through thehands-free speaker phone 34 or the handset 17.

At this point in the transaction, the remote-originating audio line 12is used for dual purposes: first, to verbally communicate with thecustomer, and second, to remotely control the decoders 20 and 24 at theremote transaction booth 11. In order to provide security frommonitoring touch tone messages and to eliminate the sound nuisance tocustomers, the video sequencing decoder 20 also controls the telephonespeaker phone 34 by turning it off and on in a well known manner. Whenit is necessary to transmit tone instructions to the remote decoders 20and 24, a speaker OFF command is sent first, followed by the desiredcode sequence, followed by a speaker ON command. In this manner,momentary muting of the speaker phone 34 is provided during periods ofcontrol signal transmission.

To establish video communication between the operations center 10 andthe remote booth 11, the control operator places a call to the remotebooth 11 on a second external communication line 13 which is answered bythe video phone 18. The PHOTOPHONE as normally manufactured requiresinstruction through the keypad or diode matrix 37 to answer incomingcalls. An instruction may be sent via the audio line 12 to the decoder24 to instruct the video phone 18 to answer the incoming call.Alternatively, the software used to control the phone 18 may be alteredso the phone 18 will automatically answer the call initiated by theremote operator. The software alteration is well within the skill of onefamiliar with such phones and has been done by and is available fromImage Data Corporation, the manufacturer of the PHOTOPHONE used in oneembodiment of the present invention.

The operator may send any desired video over the second communicationline 13 to be displayed on the video phone 18. A touch tone commandsequence is sent by the operator over the audio communication line 12 tothe video sequencing decoder 20 which, in conjunction with the diodematrix 37, causes the video phone 18 to begin sending video images fromthe booth 11 to the operations center 10. The first camera unit 38 ofthe video phone 18 is mounted directly in front of the customer and willcapture pictures of any activity in the booth 11 where the customerwould normally sit.

A second camera unit 27, located in the verification module 26 is usedto capture pictures of the customer's identification. Typicalidentification might include a driver's license or passport. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the verification module 26 servesas an armrest in the booth 11. A small sliding or hinging door is usedfor placement of the identification. When the identification ispositioned in the armrest and the door is closed, the camera unit 27 inthe module 26 is ready to transmit a video image of the identificationto the operations center 10.

The video switcher 39, which is controlled by the operator at theoperations center 10 through appropriate touch tone or pulse signals, isused to switch the video phone 18 input from the communication modulecamera 38 to the verification module camera 27 and back again.

The video switcher 39 also has a connection which is used for videoinput to the security recorder 19. A separate recorder input isconnected to the audio communication line 12 for recording audio signalstherefrom. The RCA time lapse video recorder used in one embodiment ofthe present invention also provides a date and time mask so that dateand time information is recorded simultaneously with the video andaudio. Control of the recorder is accomplished from the operationscenter 10 by means of tones transmitted via the audio line 12 to thedecoder 20.

After positively identifying the customer, provision is made for creditapproval. A credit card reader 40 is provided to read the data encodedon the magnetic strip of the card. Additionally, a keypad may beprovided for the use of bank cards requiring the input of a personalidentification number to activate the card.

Once the transaction has been approved by the operator at the operationscenter 10 and payment has been arranged, the dispenser 22 may beactuated from the operations center 10 to dispense selected items orobjects to the customer. The operator transmits an appropriate telephonetouch tone or pulse combination to the electronic lock 25. In responseto that signal, the electronic lock 25 in the dispenser module 22 opensand provides access to the dispenser decoder 24 by the operator at theoperations center 10. The operator can then address the dispenserdecoder 24 using appropriate touch tone or pulse combinations to actuateselected bins 23 in the dispenser module 22.

Once the transaction has been concluded, the operator at the operationscenter 10 may terminate the video phone connection and momentarilyinterrupt the latch-in circuit on the control relay 32. These functionsare accomplished by transmitting touch tone or pulse signals via theaudio communication line 12 to the video sequencing decoder 20. Thedecoder 20, in turn, generates control signals for the diode matrix 37in the video phone 18, causing the video phone 18 to terminate itsconnection to the external video communication line 13, and to adisconnection relay 43 which, when activated, causes a contact 44 in thecontrol relay latch-in circuit to open. When the disconnection relaycontact 44 breaks the control relay latch-in circuit, the control relay32 drops out, removing 120 volt AC power from all equipment in the booth11. The telephone speaker phone 34 is also caused to be placed in anon-hook state which allows the telephone company central officeequipment to terminate the call.

It will now be recognized that a new and useful remote transaction boothhas been provided for conducting business transactions wherein visualcontact between a buyer and seller is desired or required. Although theabove description describes details of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat numerous other embodiments and applications of the invention mayexist or be developed. Although in many such applications all of theadvantages of the illustrated embodiment may not be achieved, certaindesirable attributes may be attainable. The scope of the presentinvention should accordingly be limited only by the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A business transaction system, comprising:anoperations center; a transaction booth located remote from saidoperations center; said transaction booth includingan audio device totransmit and receive audio signals between said transaction booth andsaid operations center; a first video device to transmit and receivevideo images between said transaction booth and said operations center;a second video device to transmit images from said transaction booth tosaid operations center for purposes of visual verification ofidentification documents; a decoder connected to said audio device andsaid first video device, said decoder connected to receive signals fromsaid operations center and responsive to said signals to control saidaudio device and said first video device; and a dispenser coupled tosaid decoder for dispensing items to a user in response to control bysaid decoder; audio and video communication lines extending between saidoperations center and said transaction booth for conveying signalsbetween said operation center and said transaction booth; saidtransaction booth further including a switching device For selectivelycoupling said first and second video devices to said video communicationline.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said switching device isconnected to receive control signals from said operations center throughsaid audio communication line and responsive to said control signals toselectively couple said video devices to said video communication linein response thereto.
 3. A remote transaction booth, comprising:a boothhousing; a communication module contained in said housing, said modulehaving:an audio device For connection to a first external communicationline For providing audio communication with a remote location; a videodevice For connection to a second external communication line Forproviding video images from said transaction booth to a remote location;a security recorder For recording said audio communication and saidvideo images; a first decoder having an input coupled to said firstexternal line, and said decoder having outputs coupled to said audiodevice, said video device and said recorder, said decoder being adaptedto receive pulses transmitted along said first external line and tocontrol said audio device, said video device and said recorder inresponse thereto; a dispenser module, having:a plurality of bins Forstoring items to be selectively dispensed to a user of said transactionbooth; a second decoder having an input coupled to said first externalline and responsive to signals transmitted over said first external lineto control said bins to selectively dispense said items; and a lockinterposed between said first external line and said second decoder Forpreventing inadvertent dispensing of said items.
 4. The transactionbooth of claim 3, wherein said video device is a first video device,said transaction booth Further comprising:a verification module,having:a holder for receiving and securing an identification document;and a second video device for connection to said second external linefor providing video images of said identification document to saidremote location.
 5. The transaction booth of claim 4, wherein saidcommunication module further comprises:a video switcher connectedintermediate said first and second video devices and said secondexternal communication line and operative to alternatively couple saidfirst and second video devices to said second external communicationline.
 6. The transaction booth of claim 3, further comprising:a paymentmodule having:a credit card receiver, detector means for extractinginformation from said credit card, and transfer means for transferringsaid information from said transaction booth to said remote location. 7.The transaction booth of claim 3, wherein:said modules may be installedin and removed from said housing, said modules having plug-inconnections for connection to a wiring harness.
 8. A remote transactionbooth for dispensing keys for renting automobiles, comprising:audiocommunication equipment for establishing audio communication between aperson in said transaction booth and an operator at a location remotefrom said transaction booth; video communication equipment forestablishing video communication between said transaction booth and saidlocation remote from said transaction booth, said video equipmentincluding:a plurality of cameras, at least one camera positioned toreceive an image of said person and at least one camera positioned toreceive an image of selected identification; a camera selector switchfor selecting one of said images for transmission from said transactionbooth to said remote location; a recorder for recording said transmittedimage and said audio communication; payment means for receiving a creditcard for payment of said rental; dispensing means for dispensingautomobile keys to said person, said dispenser including a security lockfor preventing inadvertent dispensing of keys; a decoder connected tosaid audio and video equipment and to said dispensing means, saiddecoder oriented to receive signals from said operator at said locationremote from said transaction booth and adapted to control said videoequipment and said dispensing means. .Iadd.
 9. A business transactionsystem, comprising:an operations center; a transaction station locatedremote from said operations center; said transaction stationincluding:an audio device to transmit and receive audio signals betweensaid transaction station and said operations center; a first imagedevice to transmit and receive images between said transaction stationand said operations center; a second image device to transmit imagesfrom said transaction station to said operations center for purposes ofverification of identification documents; a decoder connected to receivesignals from said operations center and responsive to said signals tocontrol said first and said second image devices; and a dispensercoupled to said decoder for dispensing items to a user in response tocontrol by said decoder; and a communication path extending between saidoperations center and said transaction station for conveying signalsbetween said operations center and said transaction station; saidtransaction station further including a switching device for selectivelycoupling said first and second image devices to said communication path..Iaddend. .Iadd.
 10. A remote transaction station, comprising:an audiodevice for connection to an external communication path for providingaudio communication with a remote location; a first image device forconnection to said external communication path for providing videocommunication with said remote location; a controller for connection tosaid external communication path, said controller adapted to receivesignals transmitted along said external communication path and tocontrol said image device; a holder for receiving an identificationdocument; a second image device for connection to said externalcommunication path for providing images of said identification documentto said remote location; and a dispenser having a plurality of bins forstoring items to be selectively dispensed to a user of said transactionstation, said dispenser being coupled to said controller. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 11. The transaction station of claim 10, wherein said dispenserincludes a security mechanism for preventing inadvertent dispensing ofitems from said bins. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12. The transaction station ofclaim 10, further comprising:a video switcher connected intermediatesaid first and second image devices and said external communication pathand operative to alternatively couple said first and second imagedevices to said external communication path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. Thetransaction station of claim 10, further comprising: a payment modulehaving:a credit card receiver; and a detector for extracting informationfrom said credit card, said payment module for connection to saidexternal communication path. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. A transaction stationcomprising: an audio device to transmit and receive audio signalsbetween said transaction station and a remote location; a first imagedevice to transmit and receive image signals between said transactionstation and said remote location; a second image device to transmitsignals from said transaction station to said remote location forpurposes of verification of identification documents; a decoderconnected to receive signals frown said remote location and responsiveto said signals to control said first and said second image devices; adispenser coupled to said decoder for dispensing items to a user inresponse to control by said decoder; and a switching device forselectively coupling said first and second image devices to acommunication path between said transaction station and said remotelocation. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. A remote transaction station fordispensing keys for renting automobiles, comprising:audio communicationequipment for establishing audio communication between a person in saidtransaction station and an operator at a location remote from saidtransaction station; image equipment for establishing videocommunication between said transaction station and said location remotefrom said transaction station, said image equipment including:a camerapositioned to receive an image of said person and an image readerpositioned to receive an image of selected identification; a selectorswitch for selecting one of said images for transmission from saidtransaction station to said remote location; payment equipment forreceiving a credit card for payment of said rental; a dispenser fordispensing automobile keys to said person; and a controller connected tosaid image equipment and to said dispenser, said controller oriented toreceive signals from said operator at said location remote from saidtransaction station and adapted to control said image equipment and saiddispenser. .Iaddend. .Iadd.16. The transaction station of claim 10,further comprising:a booth containing said audio device, said firstimage device, said controller, said holder, said second image device,and said dispenser and having a seat for said user. .Iaddend. .Iadd.17.A business transaction system, comprising: an operations center; atransaction station located remote from said operations center; acommunication path extending between said operations center and saidtransaction station for conveying signals between said operations centerand said transaction station; said transaction station including: anaudio device coupled to said communication path to transmit and receiveaudio signals between said transaction station and said operationscenter;a first image device coupled to said communication path totransmit and receive images between said transaction station and saidoperations center; a second image device coupled to said communicationpath to transmit images from said transaction station to said operationscenter for purposes of verification of identification documents; and adispenser for dispensing items to a user in response to receiving adispensing signal from said operations center. .Iaddend.